January 2012

January 2012

Dear Readers,

What could be more special than celebrating Christmas in Nazareth, the city where it all began? In this moving video, you can get a true sense of the spirit of the holiday in the cradle of Christianity.

Over 90,000 tourists visited the Holy Land this year to experience Christmas at the holy places that infuse the days with meaning. This year, the Jewish festival of Hanukkah and Christmas coincided, making the atmosphere in meaningful cities such as Jerusalem, Nazareth and Bethlehem exceptionally festive.

As Jews lit their Hanukkah menorahs (hanukkiyot), Christians commemorated the moment when "the true Light which gives light to every man" came into the world" (John 1:9).

Holy Week in Jerusalem – Not to Be Missed

Spring, the season of rebirth and rejuvenation, is just around the corner, making now the perfect time to start planning an Easter pilgrimage to the Holy Land. This year Easter falls on April 8, meaning that the weather should be grand.

To whet your appetite and for a sneak peek of highlights in Jerusalem during Holy Week click here >>

Interview with Bishop Beniamino Pizziol

Bishop Beniamino Pizziol, currently Apostolic Administrator of the Diocese of Venice, recently accompanied a group of 700 pilgrims to the Holy Land.

Referring to the visit, Bishop Pizziol said, “Our pilgrimage had a specific goal, to share a great spiritual and communal experience with this large group, to visit the places where Jesus was born, where he grew up, and where the great mysteries of his death and resurrection were occurred."
To read more >>

Ein Karem: Home of John the Baptist and Place of the Visitation

Ein Karem, a charming village on the western slopes of Jerusalem is today a popular destination for both pilgrims and locals alike. However, the site has roots as far back as the time of the prophet Jeremiah.

To learn more about Ein Karem as well as its historical and spiritual significances, Click here >>

We look forward to welcoming you in the Holy Land
To arrange your own pilgrimage please click here

Denotes the angel Gabriel’s revelation to Mary that she would conceive a child, Jesus Christ.

Highlights of the feast

On the afternoon of March 24th, a procession marches along Paul VI Street to the Church of Annunciation in Nazareth. The Patriarch is accompanied in procession by members of the Scouts. Vespers are held upon arrival at the Church of Annunciation.

On March 25th a Mass is held at the Church, above the Grotto of Annunciation.

Denotes the angel Gabriel’s revelation to Mary that she would conceive a child, Jesus Christ.

Highlights of the feast

On the afternoon of March 24th, a procession marches along Paul VI Street to the Church of Annunciation in Nazareth. The Patriarch is accompanied in procession by members of the Scouts. Vespers are held upon arrival at the Church of Annunciation.

On March 25th a Mass is held at the Church, above the Grotto of Annunciation.